For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again.… -2 Corinthians 5:14-15
The Bible describes the eyes of Jesus like flames of fire (Revelation 19:12).
In the Old Testament, the most Holy Place was reached only after walking past the flames of sacrifice on the brazen altar. (Exodus 27)
Something had to die so something could live.
A lamb for a man.
Jesus came as the sacrificial Lamb and as the last Adam. (John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 15:45)
In my life God has presented me with the fire of his love and the purifying water of his Word.
He consumes my life with eternity.
Unconditional love is a resurrection.
Because when unconditional love is fully received it brings death to self.
God’s love is not without sacrifice.
If Jesus died, then all die. (2 Corinthians 5:14)
There is a mystery of the gospel spelled out in Romans.
It is a beautiful union with Christ.
Paul describes this as a mental, emotional, bodily and spiritual surrender through affiliation with Christ. (Romans 6)
Hallelujah!
Oh, how sweet!
How victorious!
How gloriously freeing is this death described in scripture!
I die with Him, so I live with Him!
Death to self is nothing to be feared…rather, it’s an invitation to an intimate relationship that is bound together by the greatest power!
We become inseparable!
I become just like Him! (Romans 8:29)
“If you love Me, you will obey Me.” (John 14:15)
A life laid down is only possible by the power of the Holy Spirit.
It can only be birthed by a love that’s worth it!
To walk on water is no greater miracle than to defy the selfish nature, we were all born with.
To habitually deny self is no less miraculous than to be above sickness, disease, the devil and demons.
Oh, to be above…
To be seated with Him in heavenly places above all principality and power. (Ephesians 1: 21-23)
He was so humble as a Man that He followed God in obedience even to death on the cross.
There is no resurrection without the cross.
Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. -Matthew 16:24
It’s not an invitation to despair, but to a hope that goes behind the torn veil.
Nothing says I love you, like giving up your whole life.
Marriage is such a small shadow compared to this commitment.
This covenant.
This incredible union.
I live to praise You forever!
To worship You!
To glorify You!
I adore You, Jesus.
It’s easy to surrender.
You make it easy with your love!
A man hasn’t lived until he’s found something he’s willing to die for.
I choose to die to my own human power.
For your supernatural power.
Your divine power that heals the lepers, casts out devils, raises the dead and cures the sick.
I no longer see us as two, but one.
Jesus, you said, “The Father and I are one.” (John 10:30)
Jesus, you prayed that we would be one. (John 17:21)
Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live but Christ Who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)
I am what I am by the grace of God. (1 Corinthians 15:10)
This is powerful grace.
This is the triumphant love that split hell open and bankrupted it of victory. This is the violent love that caused the grave to tremble and break.
This is the love that smashed the serpents’ skull (the oppressor of mankind).
This is the love that gave everything for YOU.
He spared no expense to save you.
His love compelled him to die even for his enemies to make them his sons.
To give them an everlasting inheritance.
This love that pounds and beats like a lover over his beloved.
This is the love that lives and breathes in my heart.
I hear Him call me daily to oneness.
I hear his sweet song that beckons me to lay down my plans for the glorious life He has prepared for me.
Surrender is harder than sacrifice.
That’s why it’s greater than sacrifice.
“Sacrifice and offerings, You have not desired but a body You have prepared for Me! I say here I Am, it is written about Me in the volume of the Book. I desire to do your will, my God; your law is written within my heart.” (Psalm 40:6-8)
May we know as Paul knew, as the early church knew and as Jesus knew, the glory of living a life fully and completely surrendered to God! May we allow the flame of love that burn in Jesus’s eyes to consume us so that we may truly live heavenly lives!
Inspirational Scriptures:
“For whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity].” -Matthew 16:25 AMP
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.… -John 12:24-25
For similar allegoric devotionals, check out my book, Visions of Celestial Love.
“When I read Visions of Celestial Love, it is as if I am brought down to my knees to worship. What the Holy Spirit has done in and through Ashley, He is doing also in me. What a wonderful experience. It is very rich. Thank you for sharing the treasure.”—Riko Suci Alam, CEO of Ligar Jaya and owner of Clove Garden hotel in Bandung Indonesia.